HOUSE PASSES CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON’S RESOLUTION HONORING BLACK SCIENTISTS

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution authored and introduced by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson honoring African American innovators. The resolution, introduced to coincide with Black History Month, specifically recognized four individuals:

· Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-1963), who made outstanding contributions to public safety;

· Ernest Everett Just (1883 – 1941), who blazed trails in the fields of cell biology and zoology;

· Archibald Alphonso Alexander (1888 – 1958), who excelled in design and construction engineering; and

· David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr. (1898-1976), who modernized heating and cooling system design.

“As one of the founding members of the Congressional Diversity and Innovation Caucus, I strive to promote legislation to encourage underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This effort reflects the will of my constituents,” said the Congresswoman.

Earlier in the year, the National Society of Black Engineers identified Black inventors who made significant contributions to our daily lives. Responding to NSBE’s efforts to uplift these outstanding inventors, the Congresswoman designed a resolution aimed to inspire future generations.

“It is important for Congress to publicly recognize the contributions of talented minority scientists and engineers. The merits of their work benefit all of society,” said Congresswoman Johnson.